I am a BA/MA student in my semester of my program (NYC,US). I have dual disability, as I am neurodivergent and recently suffering from a neurological disorder. I receive accommodations through the OAS at my college. These include extra time on exams and extensions on assignments. Recently, I reached out via email to my professor requesting extensions due to my recent medical leave and ongoing health-related challenges impacting my disability, with the hopes it would allow me to catch up. I have been able to uphold an A and B- in both courses throughout the term without requesting prior extensions (minus current missed work).

Unfortunately, the professor assigned failing grades on the missed assignments before responding or providing the opportunity to utilize my accommodations despite acknowledgment of the request. I followed up with another email yet again requesting an extension and, if need be, how to file for INC. He later emphasized his no extra credit/late policy and stated he would consult the Department of Psychology and OAS, but this occurred only after I requested a follow-up yesterday and after the failing grades were posted.

Additionally, there was another incident in which course midterm exams were scheduled on the same day. While students were given 24 hours to complete an exam, I requested my double-time accommodation. While the professor allowed me to take one exam per day to alleviate some tension upon my request, he did so without providing the appropriate time extension. If required to have taken both exams on the same day, I would be at a disadvantage over my peers, having to complete 24 hours for both, rather than the full time allowed per exam as everyone else.

I decided to go ahead and write a formal complaint to OAS department director, and now we are scheduling a meeting between the professor, myself and the OAS. I would be lying if I said I wasn’t having panic attacks. Confrontation gives me the worst anxiety. What’s worse, is the director forwarded my complaint to the professor joining him in the conversation for a meeting. I’m worried he will try to retaliate and I still have a few more weeks of class. I considered dropping but it’s my last full term. This professor happens to be the professor of my favorite courses, and overall a nice (at least I think) individual. However, I feel like my disability and accommodations have been completely dismissed. I should add I’ve been up to date with all assignments and course work only up until 2 weeks ago, with only 4 remaining weeks in the semester.

I’ve worked very hard my entire academic career. I’m a 34yr honors adult learner and mother of four. I really have struggled to maintain this academic standing and persevere despite my disabilities and challenges. Most professors have been absolutely fantastic with my accommodations. I am not one to abuse and only request if absolutely necessary and these past 2 weeks have been a nightmare health wise. This is the very first time in my entire career I’ve had an issue to this magnitude with a professor. AITAH?